Pat Riordan doesnt like excuses. So the Canadian rugby captain isnt interested in the obstacles facing his team ahead of the World Cup. Lack of a domestic pro league. A largely amateur talent pool. The chasm between the haves and have-nots. Playing against fully professional sides. "We could use that as a crutch if we want -- and some people do ... If were going to moan about it then were never going to really get beyond it, right?" asked the Victoria-based hooker. The 31-year-old Riordan, a former carpenter who now combines his studies at the University of Victoria with full-time rugby, and his Canadian teammates are in England for the Churchill Cup, a six-team tournament that stands as one of coach Kieran Crowleys key signposts on the way to this falls World Cup. The tournament offers Canada some elite competition. But it also provides Crowley a chance to spend three valuable weeks with his side, currently ranked 15th in the world. The Canadians open Saturday against Italy A at Franklins Gardens, home of the Northampton Saints, before taking on Russia next Wednesday. They conclude with a playoff game on June 18. Originally from Surrey, B.C., Riordan (pronounced RYE-or-dunn) prefers to see the rugby glass half-full. A professional player has to concentrate on the club signing his paycheque, he notes, while he can build his schedule around the national team. "And just because were not getting paid as much theres no real reason why we cant be as fit or strong or as prepared as these other countries," he said. "In the past weve probably tried to use that as an excuse. "Its a reality and were not going to start winning until we get past that." Its that kind of outlook that prompted Crowley to name Riordan caption, adding him to a distinguished list that includes the likes of Gareth Rees (Riordans brother-in- law), Al Charron, Morgan Quarry and Mike James most recently. "I really respect Pats values, for a start," said Crowley. "His off-field values and the way he carries himself. "Hes all about the team. He shows real leadership ... He says what he thinks too, he stands up for things. He likes to have a debate about things as well, which is great. He just doesnt accept what we say, and he keeps us on our toes as well as far as the coaching side of things goes. "I just think hes very good at managing people and things like that." Crowley sums up by calling Riordan "just a genuine good person." Its high praise from a former All Black who is all about character. The six-foot-one Riordan has also improved on the field, building up his body to help his scrummaging. "He works really hard at his game," said Crowley. "Hes good thrower (in the lineout) and he does a lot of work through the middle of the contact area which people dont see." New Zealand will be his second World Cup ("knock on wood," says Riordan). Currently 240 pounds, he was bigger at the 2007 tournament but slimmed down afterwards as the game became more mobile. Eventually he felt too light and so put some of that weight back on. Riordan shares the frustration of fans at the constant delays around the scrum at the top level of the game. Different referees seem to have different rules and the dark arts of the scrum have become a mystery to many. "Probably front-rowers are as much to blame as the referees," Riordan said candidly. "I dont know how open we are. We always pride ourselves on being mysterious and now it has become such a focal point that the referees I dont think actually know whats going on in there. But they get a lot of pressure. "People think as long as the ball comes out, then everybody should be happy. Whereas front-row players see it as a real contest. You dont assume every tackle that the team that takes the ball in gets the ball back every ruck so why should it be that way in the scrum? "So thats something that weve got to look at as players and say why are we making it so mysterious? Why cant we have an honest contest in there?" Riordan appreciates his role as captain -- but not for himself. "I look at these guys and Im pretty proud to be captain of them, which Im sure those other (past) captains felt as well," he said. Riordan, who plays for the University of Victoria and the B.C. Bears, studies geography when not playing rugby. His tuition is paid for and, as a carded athlete, he gets a monthly stipend. "I have a very supportive wife, who understands that I am sort of stuck in between school and rugby. She understands at certain times of the year Im pretty busy with school. I go from the gym to the library and home, and back to the gym and library. "Not much of a life," he concludes, "but its great." 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LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest wants to change his name to Metta World Peace. Artests lawyer filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday seeking the change. The 31-year-old NBA star was born Ronald William Artest Jr. In the court documents, Artest cites personal reasons for wanting to make the change. An Aug. 26 court date was set to consider the petition. The petition filing was first reported by celebrity website TMZ. Artests career has been filled with ups and downs. He helped the Lakers win the NBA championship a year ago and in April he received an award for outstanding service and dedication to the community. He has testified before Congress to support mental heealth legislation.dddddddddddd Artest may be best known for triggering the most notorious brawl in NBA history when he jumped into the stands and attacked a fan while playing for the Indiana Pacers in November 2004. He was suspended for the rest of that season. Artest wouldnt be the first NBA player to make a change to an unusual name. Lloyd Bernard Free, who played in the league from 1975-88, had his first name legally changed to World in 1981. A friend had given him the nickname because of his 44-inch vertical leaps and 360-degree dunks. In the NFL, Cincinnati Bengals star Chad Johnson legally changed his last name to Ochocinco in August 2008. The name means "eight five" in Spanish. cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

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