Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel has ruled out relegation from the championship in the belief that Italy’s dismal record does not threaten its credibility.

Italy have failed to win a game in the tournament since 2015 and have never finished higher than fourth, an achievement they last managed nine years ago.

A trip to favourites France on 6 February opens their campaign and they host another strong title contender England seven days later, pointing to further misery ahead.

Georgia are strongest among the developing nations pressing to join Europe’s top table, while South Africa are perennially linked with a switch of hemispheres away from the Rugby Championship.

Morel is cautious over making any changes to the format and, when asked about promotion and relegation, he replied: “It’s not on the current agenda but we understand there needs to be a pathway for emerging nations into elite rugby,” Morel said during a virtual press conference.

“The Italian results have probably been, first and foremost, not to the satisfaction of the Italian team themselves and the Italian federation.

“At the same time they have got young talent and are performing well in the U20s regularly. There has been some conversion to the senior team.

“Their struggles are well identified and they are a putting a lot of resources behind it. This is the year when they have three away games, so we need to be mindful.

“But they have a young, exciting team and they know what they need to do, so they have our full support. I don’t believe there’s a question of credibility.”