Controversial plans for a world league have been dealt a major blow after Ben Morel, the new chief executive of the Guinness Six ­Nations, dismissed out of hand any moves to take the championship off terrestrial television or introduce promotion and relegation.

Morel attended a meeting of leading figures in the global game in Los Angeles to receive a ­presentation by World Rugby’s vice-chairman, Agustin Pichot, on a proposal for a new annual 12-team competition to increase the value of Test rugby in the northern and southern hemispheres.

It is understood a key tenet of the proposal, which was first formulated in September in response to financial pressures being felt by unions in both hemispheres, included the introduction of promotion and relegation to the Six Nations.

The need to maximise media rights as part of a collective ­bargaining position would also jeopardise the Six Nations’ long-standing commitment to be ­broadcast on terrestrial television. The championship is currently shared between the BBC and ITV in the United Kingdom.

The Daily Telegraph revealed in November there was significant ­opposition to the plans within the Six Nations and, despite the LA ­update, which is understood to have included one concrete ­broadcasting offer, Morel’s strong stance would appear to suggest there is little hope of progress.