Suspended Manu Samoa head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger denied seven charges of sexual allegations against him in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Mase appeared for the first time in court this week since being charged in connection to sexual allegations that surfaced in September.
Lawyer Tuatagaloa Shane Wulf appeared on behalf of Leilani Taimalelagi Strickland to represent Mase in Court.
He pleaded not guilty to charges that included unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault and common assault.
Justice Roma has adjourned the matter for hearing on 28 April next year and Mase will remain on bail until then.
The two complainants in the matter are closely related to the Head Coach.
It is alleged that a dispute regarding a land issue within Mase’s family escalated and led to the filing of the complaints that relate to claims that occurred several years ago.
On 30 September, the Lakapi Samoa Board suspended the Manu Samoa head coach effective immediately with the decision to be reviewed in three months which is due in December.
Mase succeeded the former Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua with the appointment lasting a three-year term, starting in 2024 and extending to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
