PLAYERS swapped Sandy Park for a sandy beach during a training session at the seaside as Exeter Chiefs prepared to take their hard-earned place in the Premiership.

And, as if dynamic exercises like springing, squats and jerks are not exhaustive enough, imagine trying to dig a hole big enough for prop Chris Budgen.

About 40 squad members swapped their usual training day for sand and pebbles, taking part in an afternoon of frolics at Exmouth yesterday.

Budgen played an impromptu Biggles — donning a plastic bucket doubling for a pilot's helmet and makeshift goggles and joystick as he was buried up to his chest in a Spitfire made of sand.

And as fellow players came to attention with an RAF salute, others were canoeing or completing time trial swims.

It was their last get together ahead of a week's break. Then they will report back to duty a Sandy Park as a newly-promoted Aviva Premiership side.

Head coach Rob Baxter said the fun day was to give the squad a respite from tough training over the past few months.

"They've all trained very hard and this is a break for them between conditioning them for the Premiership and the hard work ahead," he said.

"We have also been seeing how the group with some new players have developed together. The Chiefs will be a better team for it and after five or six games we should know our strengths and how we have shaped up for the season ahead."

For skipper Tommy Hayes, the plunge into the cold water proved daunting.

"I can't swim — I've never liked the water," he admitted. "This is the furthest I've been out. Despite that its been great fun and as a squad it has helped us all to pull together."

Prop Brett Sturgess said: "It's a lot different than a few weeks ago when we were last here on Exmouth beach. Then, we were hauling old tyres for fitness."

Winger Paul McKenzie described it as a great day out. "It's a lot different than the training sessions we're used to."

Left out and watching the proceedings were injury-hit academy player Addison Lockley — hurt in training this week — and Eoghan Grace, who is nursing a sore foot.

However, everyone agreed they had enjoyed themselves as the Chiefs head into the "elite" league for the first time in their 139-year history.

The first match is at home against Gloucester on Saturday, September 4 at 3pm.

Before then they have friendlies at home against Cardiff on August 21 and the Cornish Pirates the next day. Their third pre-season match is at Scarlets on August 27.