Very briefly ruler forms relationship with tramps (9)

I believe the answer is:

vagabonds

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'tramps' is the definition.
(I know this)

'very briefly ruler forms relationship' is the wordplay.
'very briefly' becomes 'v' (abbreviation; 'briefly' suggests an abbreviation).
'ruler' becomes 'aga' (I've seen this before).
'forms relationship' becomes 'bonds' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'v'+'aga'+'bonds'='VAGABONDS'

'with' is the link.

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(Another definition for vagabonds that I've seen is " They wander from place to place without home or job".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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