About: James Robertson (rugby union, born 1854)

James George Robertson (c.1854 – February 1900) was a Scottish rugby union player. He is 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."