Record-breaker Deon Fourie matures into fine 'Brannas': 'Never give up on your dreams'

Deon Fourie's nickname is "Brannas" - the Afrikaans abbreviation for brandy - but he's not too keen to expand too much on how he acquired it.

Yet, even though the liquor is not always considered as prestigious as a fine bottle of wine or a barrel of bourbon, the veteran Stormers flanker's moniker is actually quite appropriate because, if you consult the connoisseurs, it's one of the best for aging.

Chosen on the bench for Saturday's meeting with Wales in Bloemfontein, Fourie is in line to become the oldest player ever to make his debut for the Springboks at 35 years and 287 days, eclipsing Deon Lotter's mark of 35 years and 265 days chalked up against France in 1993.

Incidentally, the enduring and bustling ball poacher was first called by his nickname in the City of Roses.

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"It's fitting that it's all happening in Bloemfontein for me because that is where the 'Brannas' nickname originated from back in 2007, at Bloemfontein Airport," Fourie said with a chuckle.

"But it's a pretty long story so maybe let's cut it short here."

A meaty tale that has been extensively told though is Fourie's almost  fairy tale-like ascension to international rugby.

For eight years he was a stalwart for the Stormers and Western Province, notably switching successfully from hooker to loose forward.

Denied a look-in at the highest level despite consistently performing, he jetted off to France where he proved to be a similarly outstanding performer for Lyon and Grenoble from 2014 onwards.

And then John Dobson and the Stormers came knocking for his class and wisdom ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign.

"Seven years ago when I went overseas, I put any hope