James Finlay (8 April 1852 – 25 January 1930) was a Scotland international rugby union player.

[1][2] Finlay played for Edinburgh Academicals.

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

Finlay was capped four times for Scotland between 1871 and 1875,[1][3] including the first ever international.

[1] They all appeared together once in 1875, in the 0–0 draw against England at Raeburn Place: James winning the last of his four caps, while Arthur and Ninian gained their first caps.