New Zealand women's team captain Hayley Moorwood has joined English club Chelsea FC.

The 26-year old midfielder has signed a one-year deal with the Blues ahead of the inaugural Football Association's Super League season which will take precedence over the FA Women's Premier League.

Moorwood, who was also attracting interest from Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal, was thrilled at the signing.

"Joining a club like Chelsea is an exciting move at an exciting time for women's football in England and back home," Moorwood told the NZ Herald.

"The concentration of top English and international talent will make the new Super League a tough competition but hopefully we can mount a challenge for the title and qualify for the 2012 Champions League."