LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- Some high school football players got a lesson on tackling from New Zealand professional rugby players on Monday.

Haka Rugby Global held a tackling clinic at Siena College. Players from Colonie and Albany Academy took part in the clinic.

Without helmets and pads in rugby, the rugby players say using their bodies safely and properly is crucial to avoiding injuries. They say breaking down the tackle techniques gives them the best chance to make a safe tackle.

“We’re coaching them to have a nice strong spine in line, putting their head to the side, and making contact with the shoulder, so that’s the key fundamental difference,” said Regan Sue, a co-founder of Haka Rugby Global.

The other rugby players included Troy Nathan, who last played professionally in Italy, and D.J. Forbes, who just retired from professional rugby after playing several seasons with the All Blacks sevens team.