Crossword Genius

There are strong links between its members (5,4)

Ross

I think it could be either:

chain gang

costa rica
I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'there are strong' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'links between its members' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'links' could be 'chain' (a chain is made up of links) and 'chain' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'gang' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chain gang that I've seen before include "Shackled workers?" , "penal group" , "Group of convicts coupled together while working" , "Convicts' work group" , "Linked prisoners" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Irish Independent.
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