Rugby Club Transforms Lives of Chilean Prisoners

Inmates at a Valparaíso prison create the country's first prison rugby team, finding purpose and community through the sport.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a Chilean prison, inmates have formed the country's first rugby team, using the sport as a tool for survival, community, and personal transformation. What started as a way to navigate the harsh realities of prison life has blossomed into a program that is changing lives and offering hope to those behind bars.

Why it matters

The creation of this prison rugby team highlights the power of sports to rehabilitate and reintegrate incarcerated individuals back into society. By providing a positive outlet and sense of community, the program is tackling issues of recidivism and mental health that often plague prison systems.

The details

Inmates at the Valparaíso prison in Chile have formed the country's first rugby team, using the sport as a way to build camaraderie, discipline, and a sense of purpose behind bars. The team, which started informally with just a few players, has grown to include over 30 inmates who practice regularly and compete against other local teams. The program has been credited with reducing violence and improving the overall mental health of participants.

  • The rugby team was formed informally several years ago at the Valparaíso prison.
  • The team has grown to over 30 players who now compete against other local teams.

The players

Valparaíso Prison

A correctional facility in Valparaíso, Chile where the country's first prison rugby team was formed.

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What they’re saying

“Rugby has given us a sense of community and purpose that we didn't have before. It's more than just a game - it's a way for us to come together and support each other.”

— Juan Pérez, Inmate and Rugby Team Member

What’s next

The prison plans to continue expanding the rugby program and hopes to eventually compete against other prison teams from around the country.

The takeaway

This inspiring story from a Chilean prison demonstrates how sports can be a powerful tool for rehabilitation, community building, and personal transformation, even in the most challenging of environments.