Abstract: A method of connecting a fiber-protective sheath to a fiber assembly having a fiber covered by a protective multi-layer skin, and the combination of the sheath and the fiber assembly. The skin has an inner cladding and an outer jacketing. The fiber-protective sheath extends externally around the fiber assembly and has at least one end externally swaged to a corresponding portion of the fiber assembly so that the inner cladding of the fiber assembly is not plastically deformed. The method comprises externally swaging at least one end of the sheath to a corresponding portion of the fiber assembly so that the innermost cladding of the fiber assembly is not plastically deformed.