'An awesome experience' - Weir excited by his future in rugby

Olympic and World Championships medal-winning sprinter Warren Weir is turning his attention to next year's World Championships in Qatar, but is even more determined to develop a career in rugby, after helping Jamaica's Sevens team to a bronze medal at the recent Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Coming out of his rugby debut, Weir, 28, said he is not quite ready to hang up his spikes just yet, but is excited about his future in rugby, following his experience in South America.

"It was definitely a different type of experience being a part of a team in a team sport. It's a different atmosphere, from the changing room right through to the field. It was wonderful and I am really looking forward to more experiences with the team," Weir said.

The 2012 Olympic bronze medal and 2013 World Championships silver medal winner in the 200m, played a portion of Jamaica's preliminary-round win against Venezuela (29-0) and again featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the bronze medal play-off, which the Jamaicans won 26-5, to finish third in the eight-team tournament.

"Just being on the field when we won the medal, to celebrate as a team, was really wonderful, that was a great experience for me," Weir said.

OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED

Weir, who says he is hoping to get to a level where he can attract offers from professional clubs in the future, believes that other local sprinters will see the opportunities that the sport provides.

"I do see this as a gateway for other sprinters, who are quick but just aren't able to make the transition into the professional athletics world. This is another way to show their abilities and represent their country. I'm sure we will see more local sprinters trying to make that switch to rugby," Weir said.

"After track and field, I definitely see myself playing in one of those leagues and helping Jamaican rugby to climb the rankings and become more recognised."

In the meantime, Weir is getting ready to start his preparation for the 2019 track and field season with his eyes set on qualifying to represent the country at the World Championships.

"I am not sure what's the next step for rugby, but I will go back into training for next (track and field) season when we have the World Championships in Qatar and I am looking to get back on the track," said Weir.

He has not been close in recent years, but Weir's 200m personal best, which was done in 2013, stands at 19.79 seconds