A connector assembly for a pipe , the connector assembly comprising: a connector body for housing a free end of a length of a pipe to be connected; a mechanical seal arrangement within the connector body , the mechanical seal arrangement comprising a metal annular seal surface configured for arrangement about the pipe to be connected, the mechanical seal arrangement further comprising a metal annular seal element configured for fitting about the pipe to be connected, wherein the annular seal element is configured for providing a first metal-to-metal annular sealing contact with a metal outer surface of the pipe to be connected and a second metal-to-metal annular sealing contact with the metal annular seal surface in use; wherein the connector assembly further comprises an annular loading ring configured for fitting about the pipe to be connected; and wherein the annular loading ring comprises one or more channels or bores extending from an external surface of the annular loading ring to an internal surface of the annular loading ring , for use in the application of energising load to the annular seal element within the connector body ; further wherein the connector assembly includes a mechanical engagement arrangement for preventing axial movement of the connector body relative to the pipe to be connected in use, and wherein the annular loading ring is configured to be coupled with the connector body , for preventing relative axial movement between the annular loading ring and the connector body in use, characterised in that the annular loading ring is configured to be within the connector body and arranged for communication between the connector body and the pipe to be connected, in use. a connector body for housing a free end of a length of a pipe to be connected; a mechanical seal arrangement within the connector body , the mechanical seal arrangement comprising a metal annular seal surface configured for arrangement about the pipe to be connected, the mechanical seal arrangement further comprising a metal annular seal element configured for fitting about the pipe to be connected, wherein the annular seal element is configured for providing a first metal-to-metal annular sealing contact with a metal outer surface of the pipe to be connected and a second metal-to-metal annular sealing contact with the metal annular seal surface in use; wherein the connector assembly further comprises an annular loading ring configured for fitting about the pipe to be connected; and wherein the annular loading ring comprises one or more channels or bores extending from an external surface of the annular loading ring to an internal surface of the annular loading ring , for use in the application of energising load to the annular seal element within the connector body ; further wherein the connector assembly includes a mechanical engagement arrangement for preventing axial movement of the connector body relative to the pipe to be connected in use, and wherein the annular loading ring is configured to be coupled with the connector body , for preventing relative axial movement between the annular loading ring and the connector body in use, characterised in that the annular loading ring is configured to be within the connector body and arranged for communication between the connector body and the pipe to be connected, in use. <EOS>