For the Magpies, it was a whole new ball game polishing up their DIY skills making barbecue tables at EIT.
Organised by the Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union, the professional development exercise was aimed at widening the players' skills set in areas other than rugby.
The contracted players were formed into four teams, each comprising five to seven players and a 'tutor' from one of four sponsoring building companies.
The teams were given three hours to build two barbecue tables - one for adults and another for children.
Working in EIT's Trades Skills workshop, the Magpies were guided and supervised by EIT carpentry tutor Wayne Chaffey.