A clamp assembly for securing the ends of longitudinal tensile load-bearing elements comprises a pair of rings having complementary tapered surfaces. When assembled, one ring seats coaxially inside the other ring and the elements are gripped between the tapered surfaces. The outer, tapered surface of the inner ring is roughened and embedded in the surface of the elements so that load on the elements acts preferentially to draw the inner ring more tightly against the inner, tapered surface of the outer ring. An outer collar engages the outer ring with a flange to retain the assembly. The assembly finds particular application as an armour clamp for a submarine telecommunications cable.