James Robertson (rugby union, born 1854)


James George Robertson was a Scottish rugby union player. He is reputed to be the first black rugby union player in the world.
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."

Early years

The son of Perthshire surgeon Daniel Robertson, James Robertson was born in Bathurst - now Banjul - in the then-British colony of The Gambia.
Dr. Daniel Robertson was to become Colonial Secretary of The Gambia. It is there he had two sons: James and John, to a local Gambian woman. Both sons were sent to Scotland for their education.
James was first sent to board at a school in Crieff. He then went to Madras College from 1866 to 1870. A gifted student he then matriculated at the University of St. Andrews. Robertson lasted a year there, but then moved to Edinburgh University to study medicine. He was at Edinburgh for five years.

Rugby Union career

Amateur career

Robertson played as a forward for Royal HSFP.
He graduated from Edinburgh University in 1876 and found a post in County Durham as the resident medical officer at Gateshead Dispensary. While there, he turned out for Northumberland between 1879–82. In this case, Northumberland was a local club, not the County team.

Provincial career

He represented Edinburgh District against Glasgow District on 6 December 1873.

Later life

Robertson purchased a medical practice in Ashwell, Hertfordshire in 1894. He became President of Ashwell Tennis Club and a member of the committee of the local cricket club.
He died suddenly at home in February 1900.