Samoa rugby has hit another devastating blow with the Samoa Police confirming that Manu Samoa head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger faces sexually related charges after two complainants filed allegations against him.

Samoa’s Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, has confirmed the former Manu Samoa captain who had been appointed head coach of the national rugby team on 31 March 2024, faces charges of sexual connection, indecent assault and sexual assault.

There are two complainants,” said Auapaau, “they are his family members.”

Mase was taken into police headquarters last Thursday, where he was arrested and charges were laid before he was released on bail.

He is expected to sign in with police on a weekly basis until his first court appearance date which the Commissioner says has been set for Monday 04 November 2024.