Cambridge stole the title away from Rams on the last day of the National One season to seal promotion to the Championship.
Spearheaded by the potent duo of hooker Ben Brownlie and winger Kwaku Asiedu, who scored a combined 61 tries, Richie Williams’ side won 22 of their 26 games including all their final 14.
Director of rugby Williams says retaining his key players as well as the new proven Championship recruits he’s brought in are vital in their preparations for the step up to the second tier.
He said: “Those two players were the top try scorers in the league last season. Ben Brownlie was close the season before in being top try scorer and Kwaku had a fantastic season; to score 30-plus tries in National One in such a competitive league, I don’t think that is ever going to be beaten.
“A lot of our players attracted interest from other Championship and Premiership clubs but the players have really bought into what we’re trying to achieve at Cambridge. Everyone wants to enjoy the ride next season and see who we surprise.
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