Abstract: A receptacle connector (R) comprises a plurality of receptacle contacts (70), each of which has a female contact portion (71) in a tuning-fork like shape, and a receptacle retaining member (60), which aligns and retains the receptacle contacts (70). A plug connector (P) comprises a plurality of plug contacts (40), each of which has a male contact portion (41) insertable into the female contact portion (71) and a plug retaining member (10), which aligns and retains the plug contacts (40). The plug and receptacle connectors (P) and (R) are matable and constitute a matching male and female connector assembly. The plug retaining member (10) includes a reinforcing member (12) which extends along a side fo the male contact portions (41) of the plug contacts (40) retained therein.