Mase Mahonri Schwalger
Photo: Lakapi Samoa
Public prosecutors say they will fight an appeal by Manu Samoa’s former head coach, following his recent conviction for multiple sex offences.
Mahroni Schwalger was charged in September 2024 with unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault.
Local media reported on 19 May that Samoa’s Supreme Court found Schwalger guilty of eight out of the 11 charges against him, involving two teenage victims. He was released on bail.
Schwalger, who also played for New Zealand Super Rugby franchises the Highlanders, Hurricanes and the Chiefs, remained as head coach of manu Samoa until the end of 2024.
He was initially suspended by Lakapi Samoa (the Samoa Rugby Union), before resigning from his position on 6 January 2025, while investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct were under way.
The head of Samoa’s Ministry of Justice and Courts, John Papalii, told RNZ Pacific that in the Supreme Court on Monday, Schwalger’s lawyer lodged three motions to appeal his conviction.
Defence counsel Leinafo Strickland sought a stay on the former coach’s sentencing, due on 5 June, until the matter could be heard in the Court of Appeal.
However, the court heard that the Court of Appeal’s workload meant that it was unlikely to be able to review the matter until October.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor Leone Sua-Mailo told the court that they intend to oppose all three applications filed by the defence.
Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma adjourned the matter to 5 June to give lawyers time to respond.
