Imho, Its about both.....but "tough" is probably the wrong word to use, I would say mental & physical strength and unflinching commitiment
What you say makes a lot of sense mate and I think there is a difference between just putting it about for the sake of being a "tough guy" and being a hard, committed, skilful player.
To me, a fully committed tackle at full speed, genuinely focused on winning the ball without another thought in your mind is totally different to just kicking people.
Injurys are sometimes an unfortunate by product.
Now I have never boxed and you have but I am su