An axle disconnect assembly comprises a shaft extending axially along a central axis, a universal joint including an outer drive member having a substantially annular axial flange extending axially outwardly from the outer drive member coaxially with the central axis so as to form an annular space between the axial flange and the shaft, and a directional roller clutch disposed in the annular space. The directional roller clutch is provided for selectively drivingly coupling the shaft to the outer drive member of the universal joint. The directional roller clutch includes a plurality of rolling elements provided between the outer and inner race members. The rolling elements of the directional roller clutch radially support the outer drive member of the universal joint for rotation about to the shaft.