Mahonri Schwalger has resigned from his position as head coach of the Samoa rugby team, just four months after facing multiple sex offence charges, as confirmed by the Samoa rugby board, Lakapi Samoa. Previously, he had been suspended from his role in September following charges by Samoan authorities, which notably included allegations of sexual conduct with an individual under the age of 16.

In a court appearance in November, Schwalger pleaded not guilty to these allegations. He assumed the coaching role in April and managed to lead the team to a significant win over Italy in July, marking Samoa's first triumph against a tier one nation in a decade. Lakapi Samoa's chairman, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, expressed gratitude for Schwalger's contributions to Samoa rugby, acknowledging his leadership and impact on the team. Despite these recent events, he conveyed well-wishes for Schwalger's future endeavors. Furthermore, it is noted that Samoa had to withdraw from their scheduled matches in November last year owing to financial difficulties.