A pipe coupling includes a coupling segment having an inner surface defining a ring groove proximate to an axial end of the coupling segment, the ring groove comprising a groove bottom surface extending from a first end of the coupling segment to a second end of the coupling segment; and a pipe connection ring disposed within the ring groove, the pipe connection ring defining a body with two ring ends and an outer surface, the outer surface of the pipe connection ring contacting the groove bottom surface at a midpoint between the first end of the coupling segment and the second end of the coupling segment when the pipe connection ring is in an uncompressed condition. The pipe connection ring may be a split ring defining an opening between the two ring ends, which may be square, tapered, angled, or stepped.