Blackpool-born Rory McAuley joined Cambridge City aged 14, having been released by Norwich City. He subsequently joined Cambridge United as a scholar in 2006 with the transfer of City's Youth Development Scheme and performed consistently well over the course of his two-year scholarship, earning an additional year at the end of the 2007/08 season.

Equally effective at right back or central midfield, he played in all the FA Youth Cup ties during the memorable run in 2006/07 and when available was an automatic pick in the Ridgeons League, with 33 appearances.

Rory was called into the first team squad to make his senior debut in defence at Ebbsfleet on 2nd September 2008 in place of the injured Dan Gleeson, and in January 2009, halfway through the third year of his scholarship, Rory became a first-year pro.  The deal will initially allow him to continue playing matches for CRC so that his long term development is not hindered by a lack of football.

With eight goals for CRC already under his belt, Rory's first senior goal came in October on his first senior start of this season, when, deputising for the suspended Dan Gleeson in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round at Lincoln United, he scored United's first goal.