near or near to ?

[japanjapan]

Dear teachers,
the following part is extracted from an article about the development of soccer.

Whole teams would rush back and forward on the field with the ball kept close at their feet; there were no passes or long kicks, and some of the rules used in those days were still nearer rugby than football.

What 's the meaning of long kick? does it mean long shoot? long pass?

since it is nearer, not near, so here near is adjective. then why is there no "to "?
be near to , isn't it?
I think it should be "were still nearer to rugby than football". Am I right?


Thanks.

[Tdol]

long kick= literal meaning- they didn't kick it long distances like they do today
The 'to' is optional here.