James Robertson (rugby union, born 1854)

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James Robertson

Robertson in 1871
Birth name	James George Robertson
Date of birth	1854 (1854)
Place of birth	Banjul, The Gambia
Date of death	(1900-02-00)February , 1900 (aged 46)
Place of death	Royston, England
School	Madras College
University	University of St Andrews University of Edinburgh
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1871-75 Royal HSFP 45 () 1879-82 Northumberland () Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1873-75 Edinburgh District 4 ()

James George Robertson (c.1854 – February 1900) was a Scottish rugby union player. He is the first black rugby union player in the world.^[1]

The Scottish sports historian Andy Mitchell, who researched Robertson's life, stated: "It is intriguing that someone from an unusual background has come to the country and been accepted into society. There is virtually nothing to indicate that he suffered discrimination due to his colour. This raises the question as to whether his social class allowed them to rise above racial discrimination."^[1]