McCabe made his competitive debut for Munster when he came on as a substitute against Ospreys in a 2016–17 Pro12 fixture on 4 November 2016,[2] and made his first start for Munster in the Pro12 fixture against Edinburgh on 3 February 2017.[3] However, McCabe left Munster at the end of the 2016–17 season.[4] Following his departure from Connacht after two seasons with the westerners, McCabe returned to Munster to participate in pre-season training on a non-contract basis.[5]
McCabe had joined Munster's provincial rivals Connacht on loan in January 2017.[6] By the end of January 2017, he had returned to training with Munster following the completion of his loan.[7] Following his release by Munster, McCabe returned to Connacht permanently on a one-year contract.[8] His contract was extended in March 2018 for a further season.[9] In April 2019, it was announced that McCabe would leave Connacht at the end of the 2018–19 season,[10] having made a total of 37 appearances in his time with the team,[11][12] however, due to an injury to new signing Paddy McAllister, McCabe returned to Connacht in November 2019 on a short-term contract.[13]
McCabe joined English Premiership Rugby side Bristol Bears, where former Connacht coach Pat Lam is in charge, on a short-term deal in August 2020, as front-row injury cover until October 2020.[14] He made his debut for Bristol in their 40–7 defeat against Sale Sharks on 29 August 2020.[15]
In November 2020 it was confirmed he had signed a one-year contract extension for the 2020–21 season.[16]