John Houston relishes deal with Scots Sevens squad

The arrangement between the pro club and the governing body is a boost for Scotland Sevens ahead of the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s next month at Scotstoun Stadium.

Houston has won 12 caps and scored 12 tries with Scotland Sevens on the HSBC Sevens World Series, as well as competing in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010. He was also a part of the Scotland Sevens team who reached the two Cup semi-finals in the HSBC Sevens World Series in 2009 and the Edinburgh Sevens Plate-winning side in 2010, their best results to date.

Houston, 30, who won 11 caps for Scotland A in the 15-a-side arena, made his debut for Edinburgh in 2008 against Ulster. He went on to make 88 appearances, 64 starts, and scored five tries.

He said: “I’m really happy to be able to see out my contract with Scotland Sevens. I love the game and it will provide me with a new challenge.

“There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon in sevens, with the home Commonwealth Games next year, but we’re fighting for survival in the World Series and we cannot take our eyes off the ball as we prepare for the Glasgow Sevens.

Gemmell said: “John will bring a lot of experience to this side and is someone who has good leadership on and off the field. He is also a very strong player with a good skill-set relevant to the game of sevens.”

Meanwhile, Edinburgh have invited 2012 RBS Premiership player of the season Richie McIver to train with the squad and provide back-row cover for the remainder of the season.

The 25-year-old bar manager – nicknamed ‘the Specimen’ by his Dundee High team-mates – is the second player in as many weeks to be called up from the country’s domestic game, after Gala prop Ewan McQuillin was handed a similar opportunity.

The 6ft 5in, 18st 1lb (115kg) loose forward has played a prolific role for the Mayfield club and was part of the club’s 2012 British & Irish Cup campaign, having helped Dundee to a second-place finish.