A pipe coupling and connector for use with composite pipe, and a method of coupling the end of composite pipe are disclosed. The coupling or connector has a cylindrical inner support with a gripping surface, a means for preventing axial movement of slips that are disposed around the gripping surface, and a coupling connector. The slips form an assembly with an outer frustoconical surface and an inner gripping surface. A hollow outer sleeve with a surface that corresponds to the frustoconical surface is used to drive the slips radially inwards so that the wall of the pipe is both compressed and gripped by the coupling. A retaining member holds the outer sleeve in a fixed position relative to the slips. The coupling, connector and method of this invention provide the structural integrity needed to ensure that the end of the pipe meets or exceeds the design ratings of the pipe.