Prop Jono Owen has joined the Melbourne Rebels from the Brumbies on a short-term Super Rugby contract to help ease their front-row woes.

With six fit props on their lists, the Brumbies said they had released Owen from his contract, effective immediately, acknowledging he would not have gotten a start this season.

The Rebels’ stocks, on the other hand, have been under the squeeze ever since tighthead Laurie Weeks went down with a dislocated shoulder in last week’s upset victory over the Blues.

That followed an ankle injury to third-tier tighthead Paul Alo-Emile during the pre-season, forcing the Rebels to consider recruiting from overseas to fill the gap in their ranks.

The Brumbies said on Friday they were pleased to help out.

“Circumstances have worked out well for both Owen and the Rebels,” the franchise said in a statement.

The move comes just ahead of their week-eight clash at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The 123kg Owen made his debut with the Brumbies last season and has eight Super Rugby caps to his name.