Briefs-Williams would switch codes for All Blacks call

May 1 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world:

Rugby - New Zealand rugby league international Sonny Bill Williams, who is considered one of the best players in Australia's National Rugby League competition, would consider switching codes to play for the All Blacks.

"It's probably the number one sport and game in New Zealand and every young kid aspires to such great heights as playing for the All Blacks," the Canterbury Bulldogs forward told Australia's Channel Nine on Thursday.

"If they (the New Zealand Rugby Union) came knocking with a good offer I would definitely have to sit down and seriously look at it," the 22-year old added.

Basketball - Toronto Raptors's Spanish international Jorge Garbajosa is still holding out hope that he will be able to play in the Olympics despite the NBA club's refusal to release him for the Games and his continued problems with an ankle injury.

"Of course I would like to go, but it is not a reality right now," Garbajosa told Marca on Thursday.

"First I have to get be fully recovered to see if it is possible, second I have to see if I can get fit in time and then we will have to see if the want to select me."

Cycling - A majority of riders have been paid their prize money from last year's Tour de France, the Professional Riders Association (CPA) said in a statement.

"On April 25, riders for foreign teams were finally paid in full," the statement added.

"Only the riders belonging to the French teams are still waiting for being paid, due to some fiscal reasons which are specific to France." (Editing by John O'Brien)