Football and rugby share a genealogy. Look back at the origins of the two sports, and they are distinctly alike.

Like all things, though, sports progress over time.

Rule changes. Strategy. Innovation. These elements shaped the direction the games took, eventually evolving into what we know them to be today.

Rugby doesn't have the forward pass or downs. Football doesn't have scrums or rucks.

Still, at their cores - their DNA levels if you will - football and rugby share traits that define what they are. Tackling among them.

Both sports revolve around athletes being able to bring other athletes to the ground. The reasons why may differ, but the techniques and fundamentals behind them are taught for the same simple reason.

"Ultimately, it's about safety," said Luke Gross, player development manager and specialty coach at USA Rugby.

Members of USA Football and USA Rugby met earlier this week at St. Vincent Sports Performance in surburan Indianapolis to share how the groups teach this all-player skill and see where the two national governing bodies can help one another train their coaches and players on the best ways to play and enjoy the two games.

It was the first face-to-face conversation in what is expected to be a continuing partnership benefitting both sports.