England rugby fans will be unable to hear radio commentary of their team's Six Nations clash with Italy this weekend.
The BBC has broken its promise to air every match on radio, having insisted they would provide full coverage of the annual competition.
Instead, the national broadcaster has relegated coverage of England's penultimate Six Nations match to their website and app only.
This comes despite Steve Borthwick's side still being in contention to win the tournament.
England vs Italy will no longer be broadcast on BBC radio
Reuters
In a surprising move, the Beeb has opted to broadcast cricket's Champions Trophy final between India and South Africa or New Zealand on Radio 5 Sports Extra.
Meanwhile, BBC Radio 5 Live will air Chelsea's Premier League match against Leicester City.
This scheduling decision means rugby fans without television access or internet capabilities will miss out on live commentary of England's crucial Six Nations fixture.
The controversy has intensified given England remain in the hunt for Six Nations glory.
Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy final features India against South Africa or New Zealand - with England having already exited at the group stage.
BBC sources claim the decision is based on the Premier League and Champions Trophy being behind TV paywalls.
They also note the Six Nations match is available to watch for free on ITV.
The corporation further defended its position by highlighting their complete coverage of the Champions Trophy throughout.
The BBC have broken their promise to provide radio coverage of every Six Nations clash
Reuters
However, the BBC's current position contradicts its own previous commitments.
When securing audio rights for the men's Six Nations from 2022 to 2025, the corporation explicitly stated: "As per previous years, every home nation game throughout the competition will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live or 5 Live Sports Extra."
The Beeb has already aired England's three previous matches against Ireland, France and Scotland on their radio channels.
Further contradicting the BBC's current stance, broadcasting regulator Ofcom released a statement in January about Six Nations coverage.
Steve Borthwick's side are still in contention for the Six Nations crown
Reuters
Ofcom clearly stated: "The BBC will broadcast live radio coverage of all the matches in the 2025 Six Nations on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra."
The BBC's own announcement that same day promised "live audio commentary of every home nations match on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra."
When asked about the scheduling decision, a BBC Sport spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "BBC Sport is providing audiences with comprehensive multiplatform coverage of the Six Nations covering all the home nations including the Scotland v Wales game this Saturday."
The spokesperson added: "Commentary of England's match against Italy will be on the BBC Sport website and app."
