An axial retaining member for retaining a male member and a female member against relative axial motion therebetween. The axial retaining member includes a longitudinally extending main body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, and a central passageway therethrough for mounting the main body to the male member. Positive interconnection means, such as an inwardly oriented flange, are provided for interconnecting one end of the main body to the male member and a second interconnection means, such as an outwardly oriented radial flange, is provided for interconnecting the opposite end of the main body to the female member. A plurality of longitudinal slots are optionally formed in the main body to separate one end of the main body into a plurality of flexible fingers to facilitate interconnection of that end of the main body with its associated male or female member.