Scotland 7s sign Wight as Houston retires

Scottish Rugby can confirm today that former Glasgow Warriors stand-off Scott Wight will play full-time for Scotland 7s in season 2014/15.Scott Riddell and twins Gregor and Lewis Young have also all signed contract extensions for the abbreviated national team and join Wight for the new season.Wight said: “I have been fortunate to play with Scotland 7s on the international stage in the latter half of this season. I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to wear the thistle and it’s not something I’d give up easily, so I’m delighted to be able to sign with Scotland 7s.”Before the new season though, we have the second round of the FIRA Grand Prix Sevens in Moscow and the Commonwealth Games.  I want to go out there and make sure that every time I play I am able to operate at my best and lift the entire squad performances.”Head coach, Stephen Gemmell, said: “Lewis, Gregor and Scott [Wight] have all come in and shown their potential on the international stage.  All three of them have cut their teeth on the domestic circuit and have adapted their skill set at the top level.Scott [Riddell] has been very good for us all year and his involvement and consistency is absolutely critical to the Scotland 7s programme moving forward.”As well as these signings it has been confirmed that 11 times capped Scotland A international and full-time Scotland 7s professional John Houston will retire from rugby following a series of injuries sustained over the years. Houston won 17 caps for Scotland 7s and scored 14 tries and was a member of the team who lifted the Plate trophy at Murrayfield in 2010.  He was also in the squad that finished sixth at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi that same year.Houston will now look to further his career in project management, both with the business he shares with his brother, Caledonia Log Homes and down other avenues.He said: “I have absolutely loved playing rugby professionally, every part of the journey.  I signed later than most players, at 24, but I was so pleased when Edinburgh Rugby took a gamble on me. Some of my career highlights were with Scotland 7s, in Delhi in 2010 and when we reached the World Series semi-final in 2009, and also finishing second in the league with Edinburgh Rugby. “Thank you to everyone who has helped me in my career, particularly my coaches, Rob Moffat, Graham Shiel and Stephen Gemmell.  Also to the physios and medical staff, strength and conditioners and the management I have worked with.”Also, outgoing is Michael Maltman, who also won 17 caps and scored five tries for Scotland 7s.  He will move south of the border to pursue a career in teaching.Gemmell continued: “Michael has played a good deal for us over the past few seasons and when at the top of his game he has been an abrasive ball carrying forward. “For John, he has had a frustrating year and sadly he has not had a chance to perform at his best, but off the field he has been influential to Scotland 7s.  It is always disappointing when a player has to retire on medical grounds.I would like to thank John and Michael for their contribution to Scotland 7s and wish them all the best as they pursue their respective careers off-the-field.”Scotland 7s will compete in the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series under a new head coach who will take the reins once Gemmell stands down after Glasgow 2014.