Former Manu Samoa head coach and captain, Mase Mahonri Schwalger has been found guilty of eight charges of sexual assault involving two victims aged 14 and 19 at the time of the offending.
Senior Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson found Schwalger guilty of five counts of indecent assault, one count of committing an indecent act, one count of assault with intent to commit sexual violation, and one count of common assault.
The Supreme Court issued suppression orders to protect the identities of the two victims; however, the orders did not extend to the defendant.
The former rugby coach was charged by Samoa Police in September 2024. He tendered his resignation as Manu Samoa Head Coach four months later in January 2025.
Justice Nelson delivered his decision on Monday 18 May 2026, and adjourned the matter for sentencing on Friday 5 June 2026.
Schwalger initially faced 11 charges relating to sexual violation and indecent assault.
Justice Nelson found Prosecution successfully proved eight of the 11 charges beyond reasonable doubt.
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