A gas injected upper tundish nozzle comprising: a protective can; a ceramic inner portion disposed within said protective can, said ceramic inner portion having gas flow pathways therein; a gas injection port attached to said protective can allowing for the injection of gas through the protective can and into the gas flow pathways within the ceramic inner portion. A gas flow seal is formed between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal blocks gas leakage from the gap between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal is formed of nickel or an alloy of nickel.