Down manager Mickey Johnston says the rule which allows players from strong hurling counties to declare for designated weaker counties isn't benefiting Ulster teams.

While many weaker hurling counties in the southern half of the country have been beneficiaries of Rule 6.9, players from the Munster and Leinster hurling heartlands declaring for Ulster counties have been few and far between.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Johnston claims the system is not only unfair, but is being widely abused.

"There are no qualifications for these guys getting to play for another county. There are guidelines, but the reality of it is that if a guy is willing to travel from Tipperary or Clare to hurl for Meath, you can't beat that," he said.

"You are only supposed to compete up to the Christy Ring, but Kerry have them not only in the National League, but they are going to come in for the Leinster championship.

"If Kerry produce a result in the Leinster championship, will there be a backlash from the stronger counties to say this can't happen anymore?"

He added: "Roscommon are the same, they have Galway men playing with them and Mayo have Galway men playing with them."

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