With Laurie Weeks out for 12 weeks with a dislocated shoulder and Paul Alo-Emile sidelined for two months with a foot injury, the Rebels have been left with just Rodney Blake as specialist tighthead.

And having failed in a bid to lure Greg Somerville out of retirement, coach Damien Hill has now brought in former Sydney University front-rower Owen.

"At Sydney University he was a promising tighthead prop, he's got the frame and aerobic capacity to compete at the highest levels," said Hill.

"In club rugby and at the Brumbies he would have been working hard on his technique. He's a player itching for an opportunity and that's what we're providing for him.

"He's friends with a number of players in the team so there are already social connections here. I expect his integration into the team to be fairly seamless.

"He'll definitely be in contention for the 22, but like everyone else it will depend on performance."