John Neilson (14 June 1858 – 16 July 1915) was a Scottish international rugby union player. He played as a forward. He played for West of Scotland before moving on to Glasgow Academicals. He was called up for the Glasgow District side for the 1874 provincial match against Edinburgh District on the 5 December 1874 while still with West of Scotland. He also played in Glasgow's first winning side against Edinburgh in 1881. His brother Tom Paterson Neilson also played rugby union for Glasgow District and Scotland.