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Mahonri Schwalger quits as head coach of Samoa with immediate effect

Head coach Mahonri Schwalger of Samoa is seen on arrival at the stadium prior to the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 3rd Place Play-Off between United States and Samoa at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Samoa have announced the resignation of head coach Mahonri Schwalger with immediate effect.

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The former Samoa hooker was suspended last September after being charged with sexual misconduct, but he has now stood down from the role, with the Samoa board accepting his decision.

The former Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs front-row became Samoa’s head coach in early 2024, taking over from Seilala Mapusua following the Rugby World Cup.

Samoa have now begun their search for a new head coach.

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A Samoa statement released on Facebook reads: “Lakapi Samoa has announced that Mase Mahonri Schwalger has resigned from his position as head coach of Manu Samoa, a decision that has been accepted by the Lakapi Samoa Board, effective immediately.

“This resignation follows a period of suspension granted to Mase following the filing of criminal charges against him in court. Under his leadership in the past year, 2024 Manu Samoa achieved significant milestones including strong performances on the international stage, beginning with defeating Tier 1 Nation, Italy at home and a respectable performance in the Pacific Nations Cup.

“Lakapi Samoa will begin the search for a new head coach and remains committed to ensuring that Manu Samoa continues to grow and succeed at the highest levels of international rugby.”

Samoa chairman Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi said: “Mase has given everything to our country through the Manu Samoa, and his contributions to the team and our rugby community will always be acknowledged. His leadership has been a key part of our journey, and we wish him all the best.”

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M
Mzilikazi 46 minutes ago
How law changes are speeding up the game - but the scrum lags behind

Regarding the scrum, I would pick up on your point made below, Nick. "....reffing the scrum is not easy at all, prob the single most difficult area in the books." Those of us who have coached the scrum, and /or refereed, would fully agree. And I have read on the pages of rugby forums for years now the opinion of experienced international props. "I could not detect exactly what happened in that particular scrum"


Ofc the problem is heightened when the referee has not played in the pack, has never been in a scrum. It is very clear, at least to me, that many top level referees don't begin to understand the mechanics of the scrum.


I feel the laws are adequate as they stand to a great extent. The problem, as I see it, is that referees right up to top level just don't apply them in the the letter of the law or in the spirit they should .


Any significant downward pressure by a prop to cause a collapse should be penalised. For example look at the scrum clip at 54.49 mins. It is the Leinster LH who forces downwards first, then the Munster TH "pancakes" I believe the Leinster prop is the offender there.


I also think that with most of the wheels in those clips, it was Leinster who are the offenders. That can be hard to pick though in many cases. Another point is the hooker standing up. That was being penalised 3/4 years ago. So Kellaher would have been penalised back then in that first clip at 04.17.


I think the directive should be given now to referees at all levels to stop giving penalties simply because a team is being moved backwards. And the directive should be "order the team with the ball to clear it, and within 3 secs."


It would help if a change was made to remove the option to take another scrum after a penalty is awarded. Must take a tap or a kick.

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