The Chiefs are put through their paces on the sand

Exeter Chiefs players have been sent to the seaside for the start of their pre-season training.

But it has been no holiday camp for them as they have been forced to toil in the Devon sun as they take on the unforgiving sand dunes around Exmouth.

"It's about strengthening the whole body and getting it ready for rugby contact," said Director of Rugby Pete Drewett, who trained with his team.

Exeter open up their National One campaign at Esher on 30 August.

"In many ways the sand works as a bit of resistance for us so it's great to work against it," Drewett told BBC Spotlight.

The team did a host of running and fitness drills as well as a number of games of rugby on the sand.

Exeter have made over a dozen signings in the run-up to the start of next season as they aim to gain promotion to the Premiership.