TalkSPORT in Autumn Test grab

THE BBC’s rugby coverage has suffered a body blow after they were outbid by TalkSPORT for the radio rights to the Autumn Tests.

BBC Five Live have decided to end their long-term coverage of the November internationals, as rugby coverage continues to slip away from its traditional platforms.

The live radio commentary will now switch over to their main rivals, TalkSPORT, who also held the rights for this year’s British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

Sportsmail understands that the radio rights for next year’s Six Nations remain available, after the BBC did not purchase them as part of a package with their TV coverage.