Born in Samoa, Schwalger moved to New Zealand in his youth and attended Waitakere College in Auckland.

Schwalgar left Sale at the start of the 2010–11 season to return to New Zealand, and signed with Taranaki for the remainder of the 2010 ITM Cup.

After a solid performance with Taranaki, Schwalger earned a Super Rugby contract with the Highlanders, where he previously played in 2005.

In July 2012, Schwalger signed with Counties Manukau for the 2012 ITM Cup domestic competition in New Zealand for two seasons.

Schwalger made his debut for the Samoan national team in 2000 against Wales and developed into a fixture for the side, representing them at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups.