During a ten year professional career Joel Brannigan played for Edinburgh, London Welsh RFC and Newcastle Falcons RFC and also represented Scotland at full international level and various lower representative levels. Following retirement in 2004 he pursued a career in the field of strength and conditioning and spent eight years as head of strength and conditioning at the University of Northumbria working with a wide range of sports and athletes, from Olympic level to recreational student athletes. He currently works as a strength and conditioning coach with Durham County Cricket Club. He holds an MSc in Strength and Conditioning and is also employed by the UK Strength and Conditioning Assocation as a tutor and assessor on their accreditation process. Wtihin rugby union he has delivered to professional players, 'age grade' representative players and recreational rugby players. He has a strong interest in rugby at all levels but specifically the development of junior level players.