Former Manu Samoa coach Mahonri Schwalger guilty on sexual offences involving minors

Former Mahonri Schwalger captain and coach Mahonri “Mase” Schwalger has been found guilty on multiple sexual offence charges in Samoa’s Supreme Court, more than a year after stepping down from his role as head coach of Manu Samoa amid criminal proceedings.

Senior Supreme Court Judge Vui Clarence Nelson found Schwalger guilty on eight of the 11 charges laid against him, according to local media reports.

The charges included assault with intent to commit a sexual act, common assault involving two victims, and five counts of indecent assault.

The victims were reportedly aged 14 and 19 at the time of the offending in 2024, while Schwalger was serving as head coach of Manu Samoa.

Schwalger was initially charged in September 2024 with unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault and common assault.

Following the filing of charges, Schwalger was suspended by Lakapi Samoa before resigning from his coaching role on January 6, 2025.

His resignation came during a turbulent period for Samoan rugby, with Lakapi Samoa also battling significant financial issues that forced the national side to withdraw from three test matches in late 2024.

Schwalger remains on bail and is expected to be sentenced in June 2026.