Rugby is stupid.
American football is easy compared to rugby. Both American and Canadian football evolved from rugby football in the beginning of the 20th century.
Rugby is played almost continuously for 80 minutes with no breaks or huddles or pads to protect the players from injury. It is fast, rough and unrelenting in it's toughness. You'd better be in shape when you play rugby or you'll get your ass kicked.
Football players get breaks and timeouts all of the time. They wear protective gear. They only play 60 minute games that stretch to two hours or longer because of all the breaks, timeouts and halftime.
In rugby, the same players remain on the field no matter which team has possession of the ball. This means that most players must be versatile enough to play well on both offense and defense. Teams are allowed a limited number of substitutions per game, so some players must play the entire game. Football is more specialized as offense or defense and specialty teams. Players are substituted all throughout the games.
Football was fun but rugby was a killer. Rudgy players I've known were tough as nails. Most college football players I played with back in the 60s couldn't hold a candle their strength, agility, speed and toughness. Excellent athletes.
Most people don't understand the game of rugby and that might be why they think it's stupid.
Ever play rugby? Thought not. Twice a rough as football, no rest between plays, and no padding.
Rugby is the antecedent to football. Maybe if you sat down and watched a game, tried to understand it, you might appreciate it.