Nansen, who collected his third cap and first start for Samoa in the second-leg clash with the Germans made his Test bow as a replacement in Romania last autumn.
He came off the bench again versus Tonga in June before starting in Germany to help secure Samoa a place in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, Ireland, Scotland and Russia.
Nansen joins the Dragons, in his second European club after a short stint with Stade Francais Paris was cut short by injury. However, he’s long been admired by Bernard Jackman, with his exploits at North Harbour, earning him a Super Rugby contract with the Blues in 2017.
Welcome to the Dragons, how have you settled in?
“I arrived this week straight from Germany, straight into training which is all part of the job to try and get into the environment as quick as possible. I’m looking for a place to live at the moment but settling in pretty well.”
Your time at Stade Francais got cut short, what happened there?
“After four games at Stade Francais I went into a tackle and broke my arm, which ruled me out for the rest of the season.
How did the injury happen?
"I went into a tackle in the first four minutes of the game but connected with his hip and heard a snap," said Nansen.
"I thought it was a 'stinger' and played on to see what would happen. They scored about five minutes after it and I knew something was up because I tried to flex my arm and heard another loud crack.
"The doc came over and I asked for him to strap it up, he said 'mate, that's broken', but I strapped it up and played on until nearly half-time.
"I had to prove myself to them and if you want something bad enough then all that stuff passes through you. It was crazy and something is loose up top!
"I don't know how I got through it, to be honest. When it happened I thought that I might as well go out with a bang."
How did you make the decision to come to the Dragons?
"I came to Europe and had a few options, staying in France or in the UK. I talked to Bernard and he sold me the dream to come here and prove a point and help a team that's long been struggling.
"I want to be a part of changing that with a team that is looking to make some noise."
How do you describe your game?
"I describe myself as someone who just does their job," said Nansen humbly.
"If they need be to put in a big hit then I will do it, if they need me to clean rucks for 80 minutes straight then I will do it.
"There is healthy competition at lock and in the back row. I don't want to take a backward step and the coaches will choose whoever is best for the job.
"I have to earn my stripes again in a new city; that's my motivation and I want to earn the respect of the boys.
"This is a proud region and I don't want to let the jersey down. I can't wait to get into it with a new team.
Securing a place at the World Cup for Samoa is massive isn’t it?
"Qualifying for the World Cup is massive for a proud nation like Samoa, some of the previous results hadn't gone our way but we want to put ourselves back on the map and bring that fear back into the jersey when people play Samoa.
"I didn't think that I would get picked for Samoa [this summer], based on the fact that I haven't had much game time. They put their faith in me," said Nansen.
"Most of the boys play in the UK, France or Super Rugby, I definitely want to put my hand up for World Cup selection, so my first job is to impress with the Dragons and go from there."
You can follow Brandon Nansen's progress as he prepares for a crack at the Rugby World Cup with Samoa with Dragons membership priced from £139 for adults.CLICK HERE for more information
