PRL argued that the extra fixtures would bring in much-needed revenue to help offset the current economic downturn.

However, the move to play the six extra Premiership games on weekends previously allocated for the EDF Energy Cup has been turned down by the RFU who cited player welfare, foreign signings and recently-signed agreement between both parties amongst the reasons to dismiss the idea.

"The Management Board were unanimous in their view that the current proposals were not in the best interests of elite rugby," said an RFU statement.

PRL have themselves responded by criticising the manner in which the RFU dealt with their proposals.

"Premier Rugby's Clubs are disappointed with the apparently limited evaluation and premature rejection of their proposals as outlined in the RFU statement, made before those proposals have been put to the Professional Game Board (PGB)," said the PRL.

"It is vital in the current recession to develop balanced and pragmatic approaches to those weekends already allocated to Club competitions in the Season Structure and not the proposal of extra internationals as appears to be contained in the RFU statement."

The RFU Management Board is due to meet with the Chairmen and Chief Executives of PRL clubs in the near future, during which the proposals are likely to be a topic of debate.