Drewett has been impressed with his new signings

Exeter Chiefs have signed two of Plymouth Albion's top players ahead of the 2008/09 season.

Plymouth captain and number 8 Tom Hayes and winger Nic Sestaret have both signed deals that will see them start work at Sandy Park in June.

Limerick-born Hayes, 27, played for Munster and Shannon before joining Plymouth three seasons ago.

Frenchman Sestaret, 25, played for European giants Toulouse, as well as Dax and Pau, before coming to the UK.

Sestaret was first noticed by Chiefs' director of rugby Pete Drewett when he played for France's Under-21 side.

He is Plymouth's record try-scorer and broke National League One's top try-scorer's record last season with 28.

The duo has been added to Chiefs' list of signings that has so far included Chris Budgen, Neil Clark, Gareth Steenson, Chris Cracknell and Richie Pugh.

Drewett said: "Tom has shown outstanding leadership qualities as captain of Plymouth. We are expecting him to bring this 100% attitude and commitment to the game at Exeter Chiefs next season.

"Nic is a proven try-scorer in this league but I am sure he will be looking forward to the challenge of competing with the Chiefs wingers who have also done very well this season."