James F. Finlay was a Scottish rugby union player.He was capped four times for Scotland between 1871–75, including the first ever international. He also played for Edinburgh Academicals.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 England at Raeburn Place: James winning the last of his four caps, while Arthur and Ninian gained their first caps.