Samoa in further turmoil as head coach resigns over sexual misconduct charges
Manu Samoa head coach Mahonri Schwalger.
Lakapi Samoa (Samoan Rugby Union) have confirmed that their national team’s head coach, Mahonri Schwalger, has stepped down from his position due to sexual misconduct charges.
The 46-year-old was suspended by the Lakapi Samoa board late last year after he was charged with “multiple serious offences, including unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault.”
Former Manu Samoa captain
Schwalger, who represented Manu Samoa as a hooker in 40 Tests and captained the national team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, succeeded Seilala Mapusua after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
“Mase has given everything to our country through the Manu Samoa, and his contributions to the team and our rugby community will always be acknowledged,” said Lakapi Samoa president Sailele Malielegaoi in a statement.
“His leadership has been a key part of our journey.”
Lakapi Samoa will now start their search for Schwalger’s replacement and the union are still committed to ensuring that Manu Samoa continue to grow and succeed in international rugby.
Schwalger’s resignation adds to the turmoil for Manu Samoa after they were forced to withdraw from three November internationals due to severe financial issues.
Veteran Manu Samoa and Stade Français front-row Paul Alo-Emile revealed late last year that he is uncertain whether he would continue representing the national team due to their off-field problems.
‘Is it worth it?’
“It’s really put a lot of doubt in my mind whether I’m going to play again,” he told AFP.
“I see all those issues happening off field and for me, I love playing for the jersey, I love, representing my family, but is it worth it?
“Is that sacrifice worth it that I don’t see my kids for a few months and I don’t see my family and at the moment, the answer’s no.
“…I don’t know the full details of it, I was shocked (when Schwalger was suspended). I always had a good relationship with him.
“But it was a shock, to see someone of that calibre to be able to do those thing.”
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