Iron Maiden Pay Tribute To New Zealand Rugby Team With Tour T-Shirt

Ahead of the New Zealand leg of their world tour, UK metal heavyweights Iron Maiden have paid tribute to the country with an All Blacks-themed tour t-shirt. 

According to Wales Online, band manager Rod Smallwood is a massive rugby fan and the move was inspired by the rugby team's World Cup win last year, which shows Iron Maiden mascot Eddie covered in black rugby gear. 

"We did a tribute to the legend that is Colin Meads on our 2011 NZ tour T-Shirt which went down so well with the rugby fraternity there that AB assistant coach Wayne Smith, a mate for many years and big Maiden fan along with some other current ABs, asked to use this art on some special Ts he was going to use as prizes for the players for outstanding defensive performances in each game of last year’s World Cup," Smallwood said. 

"This new tour shirt commemorates the victory last year at Twickenham and is a tribute to the ABs. Looking forward to seeing some of you for a few Troopers in Christchurch and Auckland."

Following the New Zealand trip, Iron Maiden will descend upon Australia for a string of arena shows. 

Check out highlights from their massive world tour here. 

For more details on Iron Maiden's upcoming Australian tour, check out theGuide.