It came during Ulster's victory over Glasgow Warriors in Round 6 and, despite approaching fitness back in February, another setback caused him to be sidelined until now.
But this time around it's been so far, so good for the 57-time international, who can get back to competing with Ulster teammates Tommy Bowe and Craig Gilroy for a starting spot at the World Cup.
"The toe has been grand, really good actually," said the 30-year-old. "With just being off my feet for a little while there's been a few niggles getting back into it.
"With the four weeks off on holiday I was hoping to do a bit more training than I have done but since I got back in and since I got back on my feet things have gone unbelievably well for me.
"I'm really pleased. The lungs are still struggling just from being off my feet for so long but that will come.
"I'm running well, back up to a good bit of pace, and I'm really just so pleased to be back in the mix and hopefully fighting for a spot."
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