A connecting rod has a central body made of composite material and suitable for taking up traction and compression forces. A composite material little end is fixed to a first end of the central body and connected thereto by a first strap bearing against the little end and against the first end of the central body. A composite material big end comprising an inner half is fixed to the second end of the central body. The big end has an outer half pressed against the inner half by a second strap bearing against the other half and against the second end of the central body and means for pre-stressing the second strap.