Mahonri Schwalger, the head coach of Samoa who captained the national side at the 2011 World Cup, has been charged with “multiple serious offences” including “sexual conduct with a person under 16”, according to local reports.
Schwalger, who represented Sale Sharks and Scarlets during his playing career, was arrested last Thursday and is due to appear in court on November 4. He is thought to have been released on bail on the condition that he signs in with police on a weekly basis until that first court appearance.
Reports emerged over the weekend that the 46-year-old, appointed to his current role in March, had been charged by Samoa police “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 reported that the Pacific island’s police commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, had confirmed that two complainants had brought allegations against Schwalger.
Lakapi Samoa, the nation’s governing body, is yet to announce whether or not Schwalger will continue in his current role.
“The matter has been reported to the police and we are fully cooperating with their investigation,” they said in a statement.
“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.”
The Samoan Prime Minister’s office expressed their shock at the charges, with a spokesperson for Fiame Naomi Mata’afa telling RNZ Pacific: “It’s like wow, what a shocker.”
Schwalger’s tenure as Samoa head coach has comprised six Tests so far. The side ousted Italy to win 33-25 back in July before edging past Spain 34-30. At the Pacific Nations Cup, they were beaten 42-16 by Fiji before overturning Tonga 43-17.
While Eddie Jones’ Japan dismissed them 49-27 in the semi-final of that tournament, Samoa secured third place with an 18-13 triumph over USA.
Schwalger’s playing career included stints at an array of teams including three New Zealand Super Rugby franchises; the Highlanders, the Hurricanes and the Chiefs.
He also played in the United Kingdom with Scarlets and Sale Sharks and represented Samoa between 2000 and his retirement in 2014.
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