Samoa rugby rocked by ‘sexual offences’ allegations against head coach

Samoan rugby is in shock after the national team head coach, Mahonri Schwalger, was, according to local reports, charged with “multiple serious offences”, including “sexual conduct with a person under 16”. The 46-year-old was reportedly arrested last Thursday and is thought to be on bail and due to appear in court on 4 November.

Reports in Samoa Global News indicated that Samoa state police charged Schwalger “with multiple serious offences, including unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault”.

Lakapi Samoa, the nation’s rugby governing body, has not said whether the head coach will continue in his role. Their statement, released after reports of Schwalger’s arrest emerged, said: “Lakapi Samoa is aware of serious allegations involving our Manu Samoa Head Coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger. The matter has been reported to the police, and we are fully cooperating with their investigation.

“We will not be commenting further to respect the privacy and rights of all parties involved. While the investigation is ongoing, Lakapi Samoa remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and providing a safe and respectful environment for all.”

The Samoan prime minister’s office have expressed their feelings regarding the charges, with a spokesperson for Fiame Naomi Mata’afa telling RNZ Pacific: “It’s like wow, what a shocker.”

Schwalger has overseen half a dozen Tests, beating Italy 33-25 in July before also overcoming Spain 34-30. At the Pacific Nations Cup, they lost 42-16 to Fiji before winning 43-17 against Tonga. Eddie Jones’s Japan dismissed them 49-27 in the semi-final before Samoa secured third place with an 18-13 victory over the US.

Schwalger had playing stints in the UK at Scarlets and Sale and he made 40 Test appearances for Samoa from 2000, captaining them at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before his retirement in 2014.