Apia (Samoa) - Last spring, Mahonri Schwalger (46) took over as head coach of the Samoan national rugby team . But just three months later, the 46-year-old was suspended due to allegations of abuse . Now the final end!

The association of the country in Polynesia, an island region of Oceania, announced that Schwalger had resigned as coach.

"Mase has given his all for our country and his contributions to the team and our rugby community will always be appreciated," President Sailele Malielegaoi was quoted as saying in the official statement released today (Friday).

"His leadership has been an important part of our journey and we wish him well," Malielegaoi concluded.

The resignation was preceded by the provisional suspension of the former 40-time international "after a criminal complaint was filed against him in court". The association had previously announced this.

According to consistent media reports, he is being investigated for sexual contact with a person under the age of 16, for which the former professional athlete was arrested in April 2024.

According to Samoa Global News, Schwalger is accused of having sexual intercourse with the minor. He therefore has to answer for several criminal offenses - including coercion and assault.

However, further details are hardly known so far and both the judiciary and the association are only willing to provide limited information: "We will not make any further comments in order to respect the privacy and rights of all those involved."

The serious allegations made against Schwalger caused outrage and horror across the country: "This is so shocking," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Naomi Mata'afa told RNZ Pacific.