Rugby programs in Italian prisons lower reoffending rates

Walter Rista, a former Italian national rugby player, established a rugby program for inmates at the Lorusso e Cotugno prison in Turin, Italy, in 2010.

Rista began the initiative after witnessing the sadness of imprisoned youths during a bus accident in Argentina. He convinced the prison director to allow inmates to play the sport, arguing that rugby teaches respect for rules, opponents, and oneself.

Local clubs provided equipment while inmates underwent physical and psychological assessments to join the team, known as Drola. The program has since expanded significantly. The Italian Rugby Federation supports the initiative by granting non-EU inmates the status of Italian-trained players and registering the Turin team in a regional championship. The sport provides a structured environment where players learn to cooperate and support one another.

Many participants continue to play or coach at local clubs after their release, with some even joining professional teams in Italy, Spain, and France. The initiative has successfully spread across Italy. The Rugby Oltre le Sbarre project now includes 17 prisons and two family residential homes. These programs provide a path for social reintegration, as the reoffending rate for participants drops significantly compared to the general prison population.