But despite Houston's contract with Edinburgh running until spring 2014 the 30-year-old will now lend his talents to the Scotland 7s side.
Houston has won 12 caps and scored 12 tries with Scotland 7s on the HSBC Sevens World Series, as well as competing in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010, and will now turn his attentions towards next month's Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s.
"I'm really happy to be able to see out my contract with Scotland 7s. I love the game and it will provide me with a new challenge," he said.
"There is 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 at the moment and we cannot take our eyes off the ball as we prepare for the Glasgow 7s.?
"I've learned a lot playing 15-a-side rugby professionally and I believe I can bring the experience of making decisions and performing under pressure.?"The first challenge for me now, will be to get to the same fitness levels as the rest of the squad. The demand on the body is different between 15s and sevens, so that'll take a bit of work.?
"I've had a fantastic five-and-a-half years at Edinburgh Rugby and enjoyed my time there. However, this is the right time for a change and I'm fortunate to be able to join Scotland 7s."
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