Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a cylindrical first member to a second member which may comprise: a tubular body adapted to receive one end of the first member and for connection to the second member; an annular seal assembly carried by the body and movable from a relaxed position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received therein, to a compressed position, sealingly engaging one end of the first member; a seal load ring engageable with the seal assembly and axially movable relative to the body for moving the seal assembly to its compressed position; a gripper assembly axially spaced from the seal assembly and movable from a radially expanded position in which the first member may be axially received by and displaced from the body, to a radially contracted position gripping the exterior of the first member and preventing its axial displacement from the body; and a gripper load ring engageable with the gripper assembly and axially movable relative to the body for moving the gripper assembly to its