Murderers and robbers try rugby route to relieve life behind bars

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - They were jailed for murder, armed robbery and other violent crimes. But the inmates of a maximum-security prison in Argentina are now seeking redemption through the rough and tumble of rugby.

When the jailbirds play for their prison team, the Spartans, they get a brief taste of freedom and a chance to channel their aggression. And the rate of reoffenders among the rugby players is way down.

"My name is Johny, I'm 29 years old, and I play in the second row in the Spartans pack. I was jailed for murder during an armed robbery," said Johny Acevedo during a training session at the prison in San Martin, just north of Buenos Aires.