Career
Neil is known as hard-hitting forward with plenty of pace and power
When he was fifteen he took up rugby at Boroughmuir High School after his friends convinced him to play in their team Cochrane initially played rugby union at centre before moving to flanker. Whilst playing for Boroughmuir he was spotted by the Under 16s State School Scotland Rugby Union Team, which led to an academy place with Edinburgh Rugby.
In 2003 Cochrane was called up to the Scotland Under-21s, captaining the team between 2004 and 2005.
Rotherham Titans
In 2005 he was offered his first professional contract by RFU Championship side the Rotherham Titans. During his three years at Rotherham, Cochrane made 83 appearances at flanker scoring 70 points and was voted player of the year in his final season for them.
Doncaster Knights
During his three years at the Knights, Cochrane made 75 appearances scoring 60 points. Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues moved in to sign Cochrane from Doncaster Knights at the beginning of the 2011-2012 RFU Championship where he changed from the position of flanker to hooker.
Bedford Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said "We are delighted that he has agreed to join us next season, you only need to have seen Doncaster in action this season to realise how important a player Neil has been to the Knights."
Whilst in preparations for the semi-finals of the Championship play offs against London Welsh Bedford agreed a new 12-month deal with Cochrane to continue playing in his new position for the 2012-2013 Championship season.
London Wasps
On 3 May 2013, Cochrane leaves Bedford Blues for London Wasps, who compete in the Aviva Premiership for the 2013-2014 season. Edinburgh Rugby
On 27 January 2014, Cochrane returns to Scotland to rejoin with his hometown club Edinburgh Rugby for the 2014-2015 season.