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Manu Samoa appoint Mahonri Schwalger as their new head coach
By Jon Newcombe
Manu Samoa have named former captain and assistant coach Mahonri Schwalger as their new head coach ahead of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup in August and September.
The 45-year-old replaces Seilala Mapusua who has paid the price for what the Samoan Rugby Union feel was a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign.
Under Mapusua, Samoa enjoyed some success with eight wins in his first 11 games in charge but they only managed to beat Chile in France, despite running England, Argentina and Japan close.
Schwalger played 40 times for Manu Samoa, captaining them on 13 occasions, and he also won two caps for the Pacific Islands in a Test playing career spanning 11 years and three Rugby World Cups (2003, 2007 and 2011).
The former hooker counts the Highlanders, the Hurricanes, Scarlets and Sale Sharks among his former clubs. Schwalger was Manu Samoa's scrum coach at last year's Rugby World Cup.
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Latest Comments
BB a 9'5 you have to be kidding. No way was he that good you seem to have the same hero worship of BB that the coaches have with him. Rieko to the wing or out altogether he is actually a real hand brake to this team.
Go to commentsA 20pt messy win is about what I expected. Lots of media & fans not reading the room imo. I think the Azzuri were hoping to ambush a 2nd string ABs & may well have done so. Eking out an ugly win is definitely a sign of growth. 2025 looks exciting.
Also, AUS has only beaten ENG of note. They need to show up v SCO & IRE to get a proper gauge. Beating WAL three times doesn't count. Also, winning one test from six in TRC is useless. So TRC2025 will be the real litmus test for AUS. That said, I'm rooting for our SH brothers for the next two tests.
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