James Finlay (1852-1930) was a Scotland international rugby union player.

Rugby Union career

Amateur career

Finlay played for Edinburgh Academicals.

Provincial career

Finlay was capped for Edinburgh District, playing in the very first inter-city match in 1872; and captained the side in 1874.

International career

He was capped four times for between 1871 and 1875, including the first ever international. He also played for Edinburgh Academicals.

Family

He was the brother of Arthur Finlay and Ninian Finlay who were also capped for Scotland. They all appeared together once in 1875, in the 0–0 draw against at Raeburn Place: James winning the last of his four caps, while Arthur and Ninian gained their first caps.