Surprisingly omitted from The Rugby Paper’s best 15, the outstanding back row has taken the nod at blind-side flanker, having played the majority of his 21 games in the role while also proving equally adept at open-side or No. 8 when required.

Having joined the club from Cornish Pirates during the summer of 2021 when offered a job at his Alma Mater Eton College, the former Exeter University graduate endured an injury-hit campaign before taking National One by storm during the past eight months.

Likely to be in contention for the league’s Player of the Season with Cambridge’s 33-try top-scorer Kwaku Asiedu, James collected 10 tries of his own including stunning long-range efforts against Rosslyn Park and Sale.

If you haven’t read the full rundown of his stellar performances from when he took the club’s top gong, click here

James becomes the second player from the runners-up to be named in the side, Dan Swain selected in the second row following his abrasive debut campaign at Old Bath Road.

Scrum-half Ollie Cole was the only Rams’ player to feature in The Rugby Paper’s selection.