Samoa rugby coach under sexual assault investigation resigns

Samoa.”>Mahonri Schwalger a notamment porté le maillot des Sharks de Sale avant de prendre en main l'équipe des Samoa. MAXPPP/TEAMSHOOT TEAMSHOOT – Richard Sellers

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Le sélectionneur de 46 ans, Mahonri Schwalger, avait été suspendu après l’annonce de l’ouverture d’une enquête pour plusieurs chefs d’inculpation, dont agression sexuelle sur mineur, en septembre.

Samoa national rugby team coach Mahonri Schwalger, the subject of an investigation including for sexual assault in his country, has resigned from his position, the federation announced on Monday. “His decision has been accepted” by the board of directors “and takes effect immediately”, the organization wrote in a statement.

Sexual assault of a minor

The 46-year-old coach had been suspended after the announcement of the opening of an investigation into several charges, including sexual assault of a minor, in September. The president of the federation expressed in the press release “his gratitude” for the services rendered on the sporting level, in particular a victory in Italy and good performances in the Pacific Nations Cup.

“Our rugby community will always be grateful to him […] we wish him the best for the future” he continued. The name of his successor is not yet known.

A year after playing the 2023 World Cup in France, the Samoa rugby team has cancelled its participation in the November matches due to financial difficulties. Players, such as Stade Français prop Paul Alo-Emile, are not certain to wear the Samoan jersey again next July.