Optical waveguide connector

@ A connector for axially aligning a pair of optical waveguides (74) is disclosed comprising a receptacle (62), a pair of plug members (33, 34) for positioning in the receptacle bore (64) and a pair of retention sleeves (10) for positioning within respective plug members (33, 34). Each plug member (33, 34) is adapted to receive a respective optical waveguide cable (74) therein, and provides a forward alignment nose portion (38) having a profiled opening receiving a forward end (76) of the waveguide (74). The opening is defined by opposed V-grooves (52, 54), with the V-grooves being separated by a transverse slot (56) which extends through the alignment nose portion (38). The nose portion (38) further includes external protrusion means (58) for engaging the receptacle, and causing the opposed V-grooves (52, 54) to wedge against the waveguide (74) extending therebetween. Each retention sleeve (10) is secured onto the optical cable (74) and within the bore (46) of a respective plug member (33, 34), for inhibiting rearward withdrawal of the optical cable (74) from the plug member.