Supreme Court rejects former Sāmoa rugby coach's bid to delay sentence amid appeal

Former Manu Sāmoa head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger has failed in his bid to delay his sentence while he appeals his convictions on sex-related charges.

According to local media reports, Sāmoa Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke ruled this week that the court has no legal authority to grant Schwalger's application to stay his sentence until after his appeal is heard.

Schwalger was convicted in May on eight sex-related charges and has appealed the convictions.

In his ruling, Justice Clarke said the Criminal Procedure Act 2016 already gives a convicted person the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal without needing permission from the Supreme Court.

He referred to Section 176(1) of the Act, which states that a person convicted in the Supreme Court may appeal against their conviction or sentence.

"However, if no relief from this court is required and if that conclusion is wrong, relief is granted to appeal," Clarke said in the report.

Sāmoa's Supreme Court has ruled that Mase Mahonri Schwalger's sentencing will be adjourned until the Court of Appeal considers his appeal against his convictions. Photo/RNZ Pacific/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

While refusing the application, the judge adjourned Schwalger's sentencing until the Court of Appeal considers his appeal against the convictions.

If the appeal does not proceed, the case will return to the Supreme Court for a new sentencing date.

The Court of Appeal is due to sit in September.

Watch Mase Mahonri Schwalger at a media conference during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France below.

Schwalger, a former Manu Samoa captain, was appointed head coach in March 2024 on a four-year contract through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

He was suspended by Lakapi Sāmoa in September 2024 after being charged by police and resigned from the role in January 2025 while court proceedings continued.

Former Manu Sāmoa captain Lemalu Tusiata "Tusi" Pisi was appointed head coach in April 2025 and remains in charge of the national side.

Schwalger was found guilty by former Senior Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson following a trial in May.

The latest ruling means the appeal process will now determine the next step before Schwalger is sentenced.

Lakapi Sāmoa independent board member Papalii John Taimalelagi has resigned, as governance tensions continue within Sāmoan rugby. Photo/Government of Sāmoa

In a separate development invloving Lakapi Sāmoa, Talamua Online reports that independent board member Papalii John Taimalelagi has resigned.

Papalii submitted his resignation to chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota on Monday, thanking the board for the opportunity to contribute his legal expertise to the governance and development of rugby in Sāmoa.

His departure comes as tensions continue between Lakapi Sāmoa and the government over the administration of rugby.

This includes the formation of the rival Sāmoa Rugby Football Union and calls for an independent investigation into the sport's governance.