Former Manu Samoa head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger will not be sentenced until after the Court of Appeal has considered his appeal against his conviction, following a Supreme Court ruling delivered on Wednesday.
Justice Leiataualesa Darryl Clarke dismissed Schwalger’s application for a stay of sentence pending his appeal, ruling that the Supreme Court has no legal authority to grant such an order.
“I have also found that there is no power for the court to stay sentence.”
The judge also found that Schwalger does not require leave from the Supreme Court to appeal under Section 176(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2016. However, he ruled that if the court’s interpretation is later found to be incorrect, leave to appeal would be granted.
“No relief from this court is required… if that conclusion is wrong, relief is granted to appeal.”
Although the application for a stay of sentence was dismissed, Justice Clarke ordered that Schwalger’s sentencing be adjourned until the Court of Appeal determines his appeal against the conviction.
“The sentencing be adjourned pending determination of the appellant’s appeal against conviction at the next scheduled sitting of the Court of Appeal.”
The Court of Appeal is expected to sit from 7 September 2026. Justice Clarke directed that if the appeal is not heard during that sitting, or if the sitting does not proceed as scheduled, the matter must return to the Supreme Court for a new sentencing date to be set.
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.
In October 2026 following a judge-only trial, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson found Mase guilty of eight charges of sexual assault (not rape) involving two victims aged 14 and 19 at the time of the offending.
Mase has maintained his innocence throughout and is appealing his convictions.
Schwalger remains on bail under his existing conditions and has been directed to appear before the Court of Appeal when it convenes in September 2026.
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