Abstract: An assembly for use in supplying a gas through a metallurgical vessel into molten metal contained therein includes a refractory supporting block to be mounted within a wall or a bottom of the metallurgical vessel. The supporting block has an inner end directed toward the molten metal and an outer end directed outwardly of the metallurgical vessel. A plurality of receiving chambers extend into the supporting block from the inner end thereof, and each of a plurality of purging bricks is fitted within a respective receiving chamber. A connecting plate is mounted on the outer end of the supporting block for connection to a source of purging gas. A plurality of channels extend through the supporting block from the connecting plate to respective of the receiving chambers and purging bricks.