You are essentially correct - rugby is a game of field position and there are enough players on the field that you can simply lateral the ball to the next man b

You are essentially correct - rugby is a game of field position and there are enough players on the field that you can simply lateral the ball to the next man before taking a huge hit and play continues. Having played both American football and rugby, I will say the individual collision is more spectacular in football but getting rucked in the head by 3/4" metal spikes is no walk in the park. I was always more sore after a football game but had far more cuts and bruises after a game of rugby.