allot of players still where padding. its just that it is not as clearly visible. most padded are so far advanced that they fit ergonomically and sculptured around the body better. plus they are lighter and thinner. the old style pads wwf legion of doom type pads where useless anyway. most pads will not stop joint bone ligament injuries just reduce superficial bruising and damage.
most players where gum shields but again they are better quality and fitted by a dentist so they aren't as noticeable.

Wintergreen.

I used to wear pads when I played until one day when I forgot them and I thought I tackled harder without them. I don't know if this is true f profesionals or not. Also they do seemto have a fair amount of strapping, this could be either for protection or securing a weaker part of their body or both.

Whatever happened to those white strips in the mid-90s that players used to apply on the nose to help them breathe better? Hopefully exhaling/inhaling is a skill much improved in RL these days.

There should be some for the Autumn Internationals. Movember an' all that.