Warren Weir joins Jamaican Rugby 7s

Olympic Bronze Medallist Warren Weir has won selection for the Jamaica rugby sevens squad and will make his debut at the upcoming Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Weir, who took bronze in the 200m at London 2012 behind compatriots Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, has set his sights on helping Jamaica to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and to reach the podium.

"I am 28 now and you can see the youngsters running really fast," he told the Jamaica Gleaner. "I don't plan to be here all the days of my life trying to compete with these youngsters...

"I have been training with the team and will be ready for the CAC Games on July 19 in Colombia. My inclusion at the CAC Games as a rugby player must also not be seen as any kind of decision on my association with track and field as I am still a sprinter. I have just found another way to contribute to this country’s great sporting legacy and I see no reason to limit myself.

“My coach, agent, and all associations were notified about the possibility and my trials with Jamaica’s rugby outfit. Jamaica’s rugby has been growing leaps and bounds over the last few years and now, more than ever, needs the support of the country, both financially and in terms of moral support. I trust Jamaica will get behind us as a team.”

Weir also won 200m silver medals at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He was part of the 4 x 100m team that took gold in Moscow and collected another relay bronze on the Gold Coast earlier this year.