Oftentimes, the perception that rugby is just "football without pads," gets in the way of truly understanding a sport that is much more than just tackling. In a game where continuity and continuous play are important, fitness, focus and controlled contact ensure that games are free-flowing, as safe as possible and enjoyable for everyone.
Be safe
Learn to play an international sport
Win
There is NO blocking.
All tackles must be below the shoulders.
In a tackle, tacklers must wrap the opponent otherwise they are penalized.
Body blocks, checks, chop blocks and clipping are all illegal.
Pads and helmets can be worn (optional) but they are soft and have no hard edges.
Players must bind into rucks and mauls and may not pile on or ram into these contests for possession.
While wrapping is the preferred method of tackling, there are times when tacklers will throw themselves at their opponent to stop forward progress.
While chop blocks and clipping are illegal, sometimes these things go unnoticed because officials are busy paying attention to the ball carrier and not the contact of those away from the ball.
Pads can be used as weapons when making tackles and blocks.