A "crazy set-up" is how 2005 All-Ireland winning Cork captain Ben O'Connor describes the new round-robin provincial hurling championship formats.

There will be a new-look to the Munster and Leinster hurling competitions this summer but O'Connor isn't a fan of the changes. With teams facing four games in five weeks, he believes the new system will be unfair on players who pick up injuries.

"It'll make it tougher for a team to come out week after week," the three-time All-Ireland winner outlined to The Irish Independent.

"Cork's panel is tight enough and we have 17 or 18 lads with a realistic chance of making it. If you get a slap in those matches you're gone and it's a crazy set-up to play championship matches that fast.

"Your year could be over from a niggle, it's crazy. All teams are starting back in October and training away and it's fine to have the league week after week because you're trying out fellas, you're not taking it that serious, it's preparation for championship.

"But then you come to championship, training from October to May and you tweak your calf and you could miss the next three games and if you're unlucky enough that your county doesn't get out of the group, your year is done. It's over."

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