Gabriele Rubini


Gabriele Rubini, known professionally as Chef Rubio, is a former semi-professional Italian rugby player and television presenter for DMAX.

Sporting career

Born in Frascati, he is the brother of professional rugby player Giulio Rubini. Gabriele played rugby from an early age, after making his debut in 2002 for Rugby Roma Olimpic against Parma; he became an athlete of national status, so that the Italian Rugby Federation delayed his transfer to the following season. Between 2003 and 2005 he played for Rome, making a total of 12 appearances in Series A games.
At the end of the season he moved to New Zealand, and was recruited by Poneke Rugby Club near Wellington. To earn his living, he began working in a restaurant, and thus developed an interest in culinary arts alongside his passion for rugby.
Returning to Italy in 2007 he played for Rovigo in the Super 10 league, and from 2008, first in Series A, then in Excellence with Lazio until a ligament injury ended his sporting career in 2011.
Meanwhile, he had trained as a chef with an international course from which had graduated in 2010.
He's been a television presenter until 2019, when he abandoned DMAX for personal reasons.

TV Programs