Samoa in ‘shock’ as head coach arrested and facing charges for ‘multiple sexual offences’ against family members
Manu Samoa head coach Mahonri Schwalger was arrested last Thursday after reportedly being charged with multiple serious offences.
According to local reports, the former Samoa front-rower’s charges include sexual conduct with a person under 16.
Samoa head coach arrested
Schwalger, who succeeded Seilala Mapusua after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will appear in court on November 4 with Samoan media reporting that he has been charged with “multiple serious offences, including unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault.”
Samoa Global News reports that the police confirmed that two complaints were filed against the head coach by family members.
“There are two complainants…they are his family members,” Samoa’s Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, was quoted as saying by the news website.
Schwalger has been released on bail but will be required to sign in with police on a weekly basis until his court appearance next month.
Lakapi Samoa have since responded to the reports with a brief statement but have not clarified whether he has been stood down from his position or not.
“The matter has been reported to the police and we are fully cooperating with their investigation,” the statement read.
“We will not be commenting further to protect 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.”
A spokesperson for the Samoa Prime Minister’s Office told RNZ Sport that the country is in shock following the news.
“It’s like wow, what a shocker,” the spokesperson told RNZ Pacific.
Manu Samoa to miss the November internationals
The news is another hammer blow to Manu Samoa who will not be touring to the Northern Hemisphere this November.
Last month, the Pacific Islanders reportedly sent a letter to World Rugby explaining that they would not head north in order to “avoid embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt”.
“Our commitment to the sport of rugby and our desire to compete at the highest level remains resolute. However, the financial realities we face necessitate a more cautious approach to our international engagements to ensure the long-term sustainability and stability of Lakapi Samoa,” the letter by Samoa board chair Tu’ilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi to World Rugby seen by RNZ Pacific read.
He added: “This is a crucial decision to prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that has previously impacted Lakapi Samoa, and avoid an embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt.”
READ MORE: Samoa ‘avoid embarrassment’ by withdrawing from Northern Hemisphere tour