Unilever offered sport equipment, washing machines and detergent sets to 15 prominent rugby schools in France and activated its grass-roots involvement with TV, PR, radio and outdoor starring Pelous. He is a gigantic figure in world rugby and his involvement was critical in linking Skip with the sport. The strapline - “free to play, free to get dirty” - provided a positive, wholesome spin on the whole concept of dirty laundry.

Skip’s share of market rose to 15.8% during the activation months (January to October 2006) - its highest level since June 2005. TV alone made 20m contacts and brand audits revealed that 92.9% believe Skip has a legitimacy in sport and 95.2% believe it is an effective detergent.