Tonight’s rugby news as Wales international Roberts dies and top coach resigns after sex offence charges

Top coach resigns after sex offences charge

Samoa head coach Mahonri Schwalger has resigned with immediate effect.

The 46-year-old former hooker – who previously represented the Scarlets between 2007 and 2009 – was

suspended in the autumn after being charged with ‘multiple serious offences’, including ‘sexual conduct with a

person under 16’. Reports in Samoa stated that police also charged Schwalger with “unlawful sexual

connection, attempted sexual violation, indecent assault, and common assault.”

However, the ex-Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs player has now stood down from the role, with the Samoa

board accepting his decision to resign just over nine months after taking charge. The search for a new head

coach will now begin.

Mase Mahonri Schwalger has resigned from his role as head coach of Manu Samoa, according to a statement from Samoa. The Lakapi Samoa Board has approved the resignation, which will take effect immediately.

“This resignation comes after Mase was placed on suspension after criminal accusations were brought against

him in court. 2024 Manu Samoa accomplished a number of noteworthy milestones under his leadership in the

last year, including impressive international performances, starting with a home victory over Tier 1 Nation Italy

and a respectable showing in the Pacific Nations Cup.

“Lakapi Samoa is dedicated to making sure Manu Samoa keeps improving and achieving success at the

greatest levels of international competition, and he will start the search for a new head coach.”

Ireland prop ruled out of Six Nations games

Ireland international Tom O’Toole will miss his side’s first two Six Nations games after being hit with a hefty ban.

The tighthead prop has been issued with a six-game suspension after he was red carded during his Ulster

side’s defeat to Munster in the URC on December 20.

The Irishman admitted to a URC disciplinary committee that he had committed an act of foul play that was

worthy of a red card, with the entry point of the top end offence being 10 weeks. However, his admission of

foul play and immediate and further apologies saw O’Toole given four weeks mitigation. Shortly after the half,

Welsh referee Ben Whitehouse had given O’Toole his marching orders after he had dropped his weight onto

the exposed leg of Munster centre Alex Nankivell at a ruck.

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