John Henry Payne (19 March 1858 – 4 January 1942) was an English rugby union footballer who played in the 1880s.

Payne also played first-class cricket for Cambridge University in the 1880 season and for Lancashire in 1883.

[2] He was educated at Manchester Grammar School and St John's College, Cambridge.

[4] John Payne won cap(s) for Lancashire captain while at Broughton RUFC including against Middlesex at The Oval on Saturday 12 March 1887, that was attended by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), and is believed to be the first rugby match attended by royalty.

He appeared in eleven first-class matches as a righthanded batsman and wicketkeeper.