Olympic Bronze Medallist Warren Weir will be adding rugby to his list of professional sports, as he debuts for Jamaica’s Rugby Sevens team at the upcoming Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, slated for July 19 to August 3, 2018 in Barranquilla, Colombia.

The announcement was made at a press conference on Monday, July 9 by the Jamaica Rugby Union and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), at the offices of the JOA.

Weir joins the rugby team after a premature end to his 2018 track season, after an injury sustained at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. He was then advised to sit out the duration of his track season.

Weir plans to resume his track and field training in the upcoming season.

“There has been several media reports about me donning the national colours as a Rugby player. I was not able to speak about the decision before because it would have gone against all protocol,” said Weir.

“Now that an announcement has been made by the Jamaica Rugby Union and the Jamaica Olympic Association, I may now freely express my feelings.”

“First of all, it has always been my greatest honour to represent Jamaica in any form. When I was approached about joining the Rugby team because my pace would be an asset to the sport, I gladly took up the offer.”

"I have thus 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.”

The Jamaica Rugby Team is scheduled to make its historic appearance at the Rugby Sevens World Cup in San Francisco this month. Other members of the team include Owen Linton, Oshane Eddie, Dyneal Seassal, Samuel Reese, Omar Dixon, Marcus Webber among others.